Orphanage Assistant

  Ivory Coast

• Other Cities in Ivory Coast: 
Abidjan

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: This program is available anytime after May 2010

Description: GET ACTIVE ONLINE AND RECEIVE UP TO USD500 OFF OF YOUR PROGRAM FEE! CLICK 'DOWNLOAD BROCHURE' FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Volunteers are needed to work with children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, war, and internal displacement. Whilst the Ivory Coast is a francophone country, fluency in French is not necessary for this particular position. Therefore, it is an ideal opportunity not only for those who already speak French, but also for someone interested in learning French while volunteering.

Role of the Volunteer:
- Dress and feed children
- Tutor children in various academic subjects
- Assist staff in the nursery school
- Mentor children

Highlights: Indigenous tribes flourished in the Ivory Coast until 1840. The French met great resistance, but eventually colonized the area. As its name suggests, the major export was Ivory, but coffee and cocoa were also grown as export crops. In 1960, the Ivory Coast gained independence. A prominent labour union leader, Felix Houphouet Boigny, became the first president of the Ivory Coast. He claimed he would turn the Ivory Coast into a "Garden of Eden" by expanding cocoa production. The production of cocoa increased dramatically, and citizens from surrounding countries migrated to the Ivory Coast to start cultivating the crop. The economy improved dramatically, and modernization took hold of Abidjan. However, as cocoa prices started to fall from 1980 onwards, it became apparent that the Ivory Coast was struggling. Poverty was on the rise, and civil war erupted in 2002. It was relatively brief, and peace accords were signed the following year. Since that time proud Ivorians have worked hard to restore peace in their beloved country.

Things to See and Do
- Grand Bassam or Assinie (expansive beaches east of Abidjan)
- Rural villages
- The Artisan's Market
- Agricultural plantations
- Ile Boulet
- Grand Lahou (beach best visited in September and October, the crab season)
- Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix

Qualifications:
- Adaptability and an open mind

Cost in US$: Starting at 900 for 2 weeks

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 and above

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ivory Coast Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

The Humanity Exchange's Mission Statement: To provide exceptional international exchange experiences, that foster globally minded conscientious leaders and contribute to development in cooperation with local communities.

Year Founded: 2009